Secretary Trustee - Volunteer, Chalfont Saint Peter

Careers Springboard is a registered charity based in Gerrards Cross, Bucks. Volunteers provide free help, direction and coaching via Zoom to redundant and unemployed professionals, as well as graduates who seek employment. Your location must be in the UK.

Over 35 years, Careers Springboard has helped 3,500+ job seekers get back into work. Our services operate “on the go” 24/7 as job seekers join us, receive a variety of support and then move on. The Secretary keeps the organisation running smoothly by maintaining accurate records, minutes, policies and ensuring compliance with trustees, sponsors, the Charities Commission and supporters.

A good volunteer Secretary will maintain tidy, accessible files and provide advisory support to the Executive Committee, which consists of all Trustees of the charity. Files will be organised for authorised access by the Executive Committee. The Secretary works closely with the chairperson on a weekly basis and follows our presentations to job seekers—covering CV preparation, interview techniques, “Tell Me About Yourself,” networking, internet job search, managing challenges, transferable skills, rebuilding confidence, starting a new business, interim management, LinkedIn, 1–2–1 coaching and counselling.

• At least 3 years of secretarial or administrative experience.
• Experience working within a registered charity will be an advantage.
• Preferably based in the South of England with occasional access to the South Buckinghamshire area and our base at Gerrards Cross.
• Strong spoken and written English.
• Experience in taking minutes online and arranging and recording meetings.
• Experience using Google Drive for saving and maintaining documents, records and reports.
• Knowledge of basic Company and Charity Law will be preferable.
• Experience working within a team of volunteers or a self‑help group is a bonus.
• Enthusiasm for supporting and advancing the mission of this well‑established registered charity is expected.
• Basic IT knowledge—sending emails, keeping records, formulating documents, taking minutes of meetings, saving and filing all documentation.
• Shortlisted applicants will be initially interviewed online via Zoom by one of our Trustees. Final interviews will be conducted by our chairperson, either online/Zoom or face‑to‑face if possible.
• Successful completion of a 6+ month learning period normally leads to confirmation of Trustee status and formal inclusion in the Careers Springboard Executive Committee. Trustee status is confirmed at our AGM held every 12 months.

What will you be doing?

As a volunteer Secretary, you will participate online in approximately 20% of our Monday evening meetings, attend the four quarterly Executive Committee meetings and the AGM, preparing agendas, taking minutes and circulating action points. You will work with the Treasurer to keep the list of Trustees current for the Annual Report sent to the Charity Commissioners and ensure that policy reviews are carried out regularly.

This role requires organisational and methodical skills, accurate record keeping, knowledge of the Careers Springboard Constitution and Charity Commissioners’ requirements for a small charity, and the ability to give clear, authoritative advice on procedural matters.

Using Google Drive, you will keep documentation tidy, up to date and easily accessible for Trustees and selected volunteers.

Time commitment: occasional assistance at our weekly virtual Monday evening meetings, organising and taking minutes at four virtual committee meetings per year, and 1–2 hours of admin/secretarial work per week.

The newly appointed Secretary will be offered a Trustee position after 6–12 months of learning and familiarisation with the requirements and procedures. Such appointments are confirmed at our AGM, which takes place every twelve months. Currently there are seven Trustees, all of whom serve on the Executive Committee.